Sandler gives film roles unexpected twists

Flixster

Published 4:09 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2013

Adam Sandler stars in "Funny People," the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Photo: Tracy Bennett

Adam Sandler stars in "Funny People," the story of a famous...

ADAM SANDLER stars as George Simmons in writer/director Judd Apatow?s third film behind the camera, ?Funny People?, the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Photo: Tracy Bennett

ADAM SANDLER stars as George Simmons in writer/director Judd...

(L to R) George (ADAM SANDLER) and Ira (SETH ROGEN) in writer/director Judd Apatow?s third film behind the camera, ?Funny People?, the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Photo: Tracy Bennett

(L to R) George (ADAM SANDLER) and Ira (SETH ROGEN) in...

(L to R) George (ADAM SANDLER) and Ira (SETH ROGEN) in writer/director Judd Apatow?s third film behind the camera, ?Funny People?, the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Photo: Tracy Bennett

In collaboration with Rotten Tomatoes and its parent company, Flixster, the Chronicle presents the critical consensus of Adam Sandler's best-reviewed films. His latest, "Grown Ups 2," is now playing at Houston-area theaters.

79% Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Odd, touching and unique, "Punch-Drunk Love" also is delightfully funny, utilizing Sandler's comic persona to explore the life of a lonely guy who finds love.

68% Funny People (2009)

"Funny People" features the requisite humor, as well as considerable emotional depth, resulting in Judd Apatow's most mature film to date.

67% The Wedding Singer (1998)

It's decidedly uneven - and surprisingly sappy for an early Sandler comedy - but "The Wedding Singer" also is sweet, funny and beguiling.

63% Reign Over Me (2007)

"Reign Over Me" is a charming, affecting tale of friendship and loss, with solid performances from Sandler as a broken, grief-stricken man and Don Cheadle as his old friend and savior.

Sandler's tale of a grown man reliving grades K-12 may find an audience with his usual fans, but its premise is ridiculous, and it soars to heights of idiocy that are bizarre even by his standards.

44% 50 First Dates (2004)

Gross-out humor overwhelms the easy chemistry between Sandler and Drew Barrymore, who bring some energy and yucks to this tale of a girl with short-term memory loss and the guy who tries to get her to love him.

43% Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Featuring Sandler as the voice of Count Dracula, the buoyant, giddy tone of "Hotel Transylvania" may please children, but it might be a little too loud and thinly scripted for older audiences.

43% Anger Management (2003)

Though not without its funny moments, "Anger Management" ultimately is stale and disappointingly one-note, especially considering its capable cast.